RAAZI: Meghna Gulzar Outshines as a Film maker

Patriotism is one of the most interesting genres of our Hindi film industry but Raazi is undoubtedly the best one in this space. It is based on the book Calling Sehmat’ by Harindar S. Sikka. Director Meghna Gulzar, who has a knack of telling real life stories in an unconventional way, Raazi truly emerges as a sure shot winner. It is gripping and high on emotions.

‘Raazi’ is the story of a Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) – whose life changes when her father Hidayat Khan (Rajit Kapoor) who is an Indian intelligence official, instructs her to marry Iqbal Syed (Vicky Kaushal) and move to Pakistan planting her as an spy. She undergoes rigorous and merciless training under Indian intelligence agent Khalid Mir (Jaideep Ahlawat).

Sehmat marries Iqbal and here on starts her journey which changes her life like never before. Will she able to save her nation from the war? Raazi answers to this mystery!

Meghna Gulzar’s steady hand gradually ramps up the tension throughout; leading to an explosive final act in this strong dramatic thriller. She manages to strike an adequate balance between realism and thrill. Her screenplay along with Bhavna Iyer is so good that the film will transport you back in 1971. She assures you that no one in the narrative let you down.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music lends credibility to the 70’s backdrop. The songs evoke patriotism without tipping over into nationalism, primarily enhanced by Gulzar’s lyrics. The production design by Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray along with Maxima Basu Golani’s costume design further solidifies the film’s authenticity.

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